Responsive Web Design - why is it so special?

Cotswold Web • 11 June 2015

If you're looking at an update or re-design of your website, you'll want to make sure it includes Responsive Web Design (RWD). In simple terms, it just means that the website will re-size itself to fit the size of the screen. Makes sense doesn't it? If you think about viewing websites on your phone or tablet - sometimes the site is a bit difficult to navigate because it's not designed for that device. More recently we've been able to design mobile-friendly versions or specific designs to fit the purpose. This however, is very different. But how exactly?

1. Automatic Re-Design

It will reduce the size of images and change the layout of content (e.g. a row of 4 images will become 2 rows of 2 images) for a smaller screen size screen, for an even smaller screen (e.g. a mobile) it would put all of the images in 1 column.

2. Always Easy to Navigate

As a result, the website is always easy to navigate. Re-sizing, scrolling and panning is kept to a minimum. It looks good, no matter how big or small the screen size. This is particularly useful now as more and more people are accessing the web via tablets and phones. See the latest stats on internet usage here .

3. Even on Desktop Reductions

This even works if you reduce the size of your browser, on your laptop for example. It ensures the best exposure for your website at all times.

At Cotswold Web Services we've recently launched two new websites using this technology - try them out! Loving Lodges (Main Picture), JDP Procurement . For more technical details on how it works, take a look at this Infographic.

If you'd like to talk to us about a re-design or build, just call us on 01242 807847 - we'd love to help.

Take a look at what we can do by visiting our portfolio.

Newer Post >

Get Proposal

Get Your Free Marketing Plan

More Posts.

A woman is sitting at a desk using a laptop computer.

The role of user experience (UX) in SEO success

20 January 2025

While different disciplines, UX is becoming increasingly important to SEO success. It isn’t a direct ranking factor in SEO,

silhouette of a person against a backdrop of computer text

The impact of AI on SEO: How to stay competitive in the age of algorithms

19 November 2024

Heading 1 Artificial intelligence (AI) has had a huge impact in many areas of life and SEO is no exception. While it has made online searches easier for consumers, keeping up with it and staying ahead as a business can be challenging. As Google integrates advanced AI into its search results, businesses must rethink their SEO strategies. Understanding the future of SEO in the context of AI is essential to appear high on search rankings and remain competitive. Traditionally, search engine optimisation (SEO) has relied largely on keyword optimisation and link building. If you sell garden products, you would make sure the phrase ‘garden products’ was used frequently throughout your website. You would also look to get some links back to your site from other websites – maybe other businesses in your local area or in a complementary sector. These traditional SEO methods are becoming less effective. AI means search engines like Google and Bing have become better at understanding the intent behind a search, through machine learning algorithms analysing huge quantities of data, as well as natural language processing. Natural language processing doesn’t just understand the words in a query, it understands the context and intent behind it. AI can even understand synonyms, slang and regional variation in language! When someone searches for something online, AI can analyse, interpret and predict their behaviour. So businesses have to adapt their SEO strategies to changing algorithms to stay competitive. You need to have a deeper understanding of your target audience and produce content which meets their needs and answers their queries. It is about providing the best answer to the questions your audience is asking, because AI algorithms are skilled at recognising content which meets the search intent of users and provides value. This means that content which is designed to meet specific needs, answer questions and provide the solutions to problems is more likely to rank higher in searches. AI algorithms will prioritise content which resonates with users on a human level – with every paragraph adding more value and depth. This aligns with AI’s preference for content which engages and informs – and also helps build a stronger connection with your target audience. In addition, AI is making voice searches (e.g. Alexa) much more effective. Voice searches tend to use more words than online searches e.g. ‘find me healthy snacks for pre-school children’ rather than just typing ‘healthy snacks’ into Google with no context. This aspect of AI will continue to grow in importance and become even more widely used.